Guido Mario Jafolla of Iron Mountain went home to be with the rest of his family on April 29, 2013, at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain.
He was born on, February 1, 1918, son of the late Ben and Angelina (Fontecchio) Jafolla. Guido was the last of his large family of 15 children raised on the Northside of Iron Mountain, living to be 95 years old.
Guido married the love of his life Cecilia Paris on August 31, 1947. He loved his wife more than life and cherished their times traveling the world together, setting the dance floor on fire as they won dance contests. Side by side they worked together as a team…while Guido was out on the road working construction; Cecilia remained at home taking care of the businesses.
He entered into the work place at a very early age. His love for clothing (which never changed), lead him to work in every men's store in Iron Mountain as a young lad, this was to satisfy his deserve to have the latest fashions. After high school, he left his family home on the Northside and worked in a Print Shop. When the opportunity arose for him to work in Greenland on a construction crew he jumped at the opportunity and thus his love for construction grew. Guido worked many years for Bacco construction, heading up many of their major projects. Working out of town 5 days a week, he would return home on Friday evening to take Cecilia to the Country Club for dinner. Saturdays you could find him there swinging a golf club, where he held a personal record of 8 holes in one. His last hole in one was at the age of 89. Guido treasured his Italian heritage and the people he called friends!
Guido who was fondly known to his friends as "Jeff" served his country proudly in WWII. He was stationed in the South Pacific and a member of the Navy Seabee's serving our country with both of his brothers Jimmy and Joey, all of which were in the U.S. Navy. Guido held the title of Chief in the Navy and was a Purple Heart recipient.
When I sat with my Uncle and asked what was he the most proud of, his answer was of what he had developed in Iron Mountain. Guido was never satisfied with sitting still or just making a good living. He prided himself in developing 3.5 city blocks in his hometown of Iron Mountain. Along with his wife at his side, they worked together to make what was once a vision become reality. With Guido doing his own excavating, the first business they built was Cecilia's Smart Ware. Next was the Jafolla Apartments (which is now the location of the Caring House). From there they were on a roll and continued growing and developing Real Estate, which satisfied his desires from childhood to make a name for himself in this community. Thus leaving a piece of himself behind!
Guido was a life member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Elks Lodge No. 700 and Pine Grove Country Club. After his retirement, you could find him each morning, come rain or shine at Pine Grove solving world issues with the a few of the members fondly known as the Knights of the Round Table. Guido was blessed to be able to golf until he was 94. He was extremely proud to be a member of the Pine Grove Country Club, his time there was among his most treasured!
I personally would like to thank the incredible team of the VA here in Iron Mountain. I now understand why both my Uncle and my Dad Joey spoke so highly of them! Their care, concern, dedication to each patient can not be put into words, but from the bottom of our family's hearts, I raise a glass to you Uncle Guido and to all who served, serve or will serve our Veterans!
As another life ends on the Jafolla family tree, their lives will be carried on in our memories and the stories we share of our time with them. Uncle Guido wanted to leave a mark and make a difference to his family and this community…job accomplished Uncle, now rest in peace!
He leaves behind his beloved wife Cecilia of almost 66 years, many nieces, nephews, and treasured and close friends.
Visitation will be Saturday, May 4, 2013, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain. Prayers will be recited at 12 noon at the funeral home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 12:30 p.m., Saturday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Iron Mountain. Rev. Raymond Valerio will officiate. Burial will be in Cemetery Park, Iron Mountain. The Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post No. 50 will accord military honors at graveside. The Patriot Guard Riders will escort.
A memorial will be established in Guido's memory to the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center.
You may light a candle in remembrance of Guido, or leave a condolence for his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com
The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain, to honor Guido's Legacy of Life.